NYCC 2012 Outer Space Men (Sort Of) Revealed

While the reveal hasn't started, we did some digging and found out there was a small announcement.  Toy Tokyo will be selling Gemini & Orbitron Outer Space Men figures at NYCC, but specifics are not available.  As the figures will be going on sale in about two weeks, it is unknown if they will be shown (or even really officially announced) prior to then or if this was meant as a surprise.  Either way, click here to see the only info released thus far.

Review: Four Horsemen Outer Space Men Cosmic Creators Four Horsemen Metamorpho Action Figure

Yet another version of Metamorpho! Dubbed "Megamorpho," this figure takes a cue from the neon end of space which vaguely recalls the aliens of Major Matt Mason as well as numerous toys of the late 1980s and 1990s. A radical departure from the previous painted versions of this figure, Metamorpho is cast in a metallic pink with bright blues and greens that are arguably the very thing people are complaining about when they call something "too neon." This means, of course, that it is perfect.

With about 20 parts when fully disassembled, this figure is more or less the same thing you've come to love and expect. The key difference, of course, is the insanely awesome paint job that should do a fine job of blinding your friends when they walk in the room. This time around, the "alien" head is blue, the "ape" head is green, and the "reptile" head is pink. His "button" on his chest plus the knob on his helmet are clear green, with the accessories rendered in the same pink plastic with painted green elements.
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Review: Four Horsemen Outer Space Men Alpha Phase Gemini Action Figure

With rising costs across the globe, it's hard not to mutter that Gemini cost a little more than previous years' figures. From $40 for 4 to $50 for 3, the largely unpainted figures have changed in size quite a bit and include fewer shared parts than before. Aside from perhaps a couple of plugs and the arms, it seems Gemini is 100% new as are his companions. With more little pieces than ever before, I have no doubt that despite his 3 1/3-inch tall size Gemini looks like he cost a lot to make. Made from about 30 parts, it's clear to me that nobody cut any corners on this one.
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Review: Four Horsemen Outer Space Men Cosmic Creators Mel Birnkrant Metamorpho Action Figure

I was pretty annoyed that this version of Metamorpho, in pictures, didn't look all that different from the regular painted release. Of course, I was dead wrong about it and in person it looks spectacular. Slathered in metallic paints, the figure really pops and they managed to make a $10 figure look more like a $30 figure, which is important because that's what it costs.
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Outer Space Men 2.0: Inferno Action Figure

Of the four 2.0 releases of the Outer Space Men figures, Inferno is unquestionably the most compelling.  Along with Metamorpho, these two look significantly different, particularly when compared to the original 2010 release.

Previously, Inferno was cast in silver plastic and painted in the colors you see, with an opaque flame, gun, and head.  This time around the figure is a mix of silver plastic and clear yellowish orange plastic.  Take note of the feet, hands, gun, chest, chest jewel, head, helmet, and flame as all of these are actually painted clear yellow, while the other body parts are opaque silver.  Because of the high quality paint job, it's actually really hard to tell these are different colored plastics unless you shine a bright light through them.  If a tiny little bit of light didn't peek out through the chest, I'd never notice!

If you ever get the chance to buy these individually, get Inferno first.  The clear red, plus the clear areas on the back of the torso and helmet allow light to shine through so even packaged collectors can enjoy the new lighting feature.   The set of four 2.0 figures is $50 at Store Horsemen.

Overall I'd say the set is an improvement, although perhaps not one enough to warrant another $50 on the set.  If you were dragging your feet before, or missed the first round, these are probably the best ones to get.

One final note-- series creator Mel Birnkrant himself posted a confirmation that the 2011 figures of Mystron, Electron+, Alpha 7, and Commander Comet would not get a 2.0 release as the originals were already more or less perfect.  (I agree.)

Bruce Jensen Designs New Custom Mystron Head

Amazing artist and nice fellow Bruce Jensen designed another head!  More are no doubt on the way, but check out his take on Mystron.  It's freaky, with three eyes and tons of spikes on the head.  It also seems more than a little Glyos-y, so here's hoping some of the designs eventually transition to the third dimension.

Outer Space Men 2.0: Astro-Nautilus

Of all the 2.0 releases, Astro-Nautilus is one that seems the least changed.  Go ahead, take a look.  That's the problem when something looks perfectly fantastic the first time.
 

On the left is the original 1.0 version, on the right is the new 2.0 version.  Can you tell the differences?  They're quite subtle, and unless you put them side-by-side you may not notice.  (Or I didn't notice, anyway.)  The original 1.0 version from 2010 has slightly pinker skin, the 2.0 is more purple.  The staffs seem basically the same at first glance, but it turns out the new one is a little more vibrant.  Also, the space suit is different as the metallic bronze color is much shinier and more glossy on the 2.0 release.

Since the packaging is identical and the figures are nearly so, get either. Or both.  2.0 seems to be just barely more in line with the original figure from Colorforms, but this is one of those differences that your wife will mock you for if you dare try to point it out.  (Maybe I speak from experience, maybe I don't.)  I like 2.0 best.